The Christian Home of Love: 16 March 2011 - Praise & Prayer from Robert & Dara Peh

“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality” (Romans 12:12-13, KJV).

THANK GOD! One month has passed since the fire broke out. By the grace of God which is always sufficient for us, we thank God for sustaining us and enabling us to cope with and adjust to all that has befallen us. Thank you for upholding us in your prayer.

On 7 March (Monday), we started pulling down all the burned woods and walls. All were cleared by 11 March (Friday). Reconstruction of the building began on 12 March (Saturday). Since then, we have been working on the foundations. It may take us about three weeks to get it done, depending on the weather. It has been raining for the past few days and the weather-forecast reported that our area will be cloudy and raining for the next few days (14 to 18 Mar). Temperature at night is below 20 degrees Celsius though it is supposed to be the hot season now. Thank God for the rain that cools off the heat and wash away the dust.

We have decided to rebuild the house by ourselves with the help of an experienced contractor. We think that our older boys (John, Isaac, Boaz, Joshua and Enoch) are fit and old enough now to learn and pick up the skill. Having been with us for so many years, it is a joy to see them growing "in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52, KJV). Since the beginning of the ministry, the older boys had been involved in many of the construction works here in the Christian Home of Love (CHOL) and all under the supervision of the same contractor that we have hired to take on this project. We believe that since they are much older now and with all the experiences that they had gained in the past, God will enable them to carry out the task as well as to master the skill at the same time. With such a skill on hand, not only would they be able to build their own houses in the future when they have their own families, but also could use it to serve God in the ministry. Moreover, part of the programmes of CHOL is to impart unto the residents a certain skill to equip them for service in the church or the society, or wherever the Lord leads them. So, we thank God for such an opportunity given unto them to be involved in the rebuilding project of the Home.

Students are having their final examinations on Monday to Wednesday (14 – 16 March). Thereafter, it will begin their long summer holidays which will last till the middle of May. During the vacation, they will be helping out at Home. We have also prepared some learning activities for them and other children from the village. Pray that they will learn much and their time will be wisely spent.

THANK GOD! We were able to find a place for Dara, Evangel & Evangeline to do their studies. Please pray for Dara as she has four exam papers to do at home this week, to be completed by Saturday (19 Mar). THANK GOD for His healing hand upon Dara. She is recovering well. No more those unpleasant side-effects. PRAISE THE LORD!

We know that everything could proceed so steadily and quickly is because God has heard and answered all our prayers. Thank you once again for co-labouring with us in prayer. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16, KJV).

THANK GOD that He is so real to all those who walk close with Him. Recognising that He is always there for us and is faithful and in full control of our lives and the surrounding, there is no reason why we should be afraid or anxious, as the Scripture says, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22, KJV).

The assurance of God's sovereignty in our lives and the promises of God in His Word should cause us to trust Him in every situation, knowing that every event that unfolds in our lives comes with the knowledge of the all knowing God Who is working all things out "after the counsel of His Own will" (Ephesians 1:11, KJV). This should also encourage us to be thankful to God, like the early Christians, "rejoicing that (we) were counted worthy to suffer ...for His Name" (Acts 5:41, KJV). The apostle Paul puts it this way, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, KJV).

To view more pictures of CHOL Rebuilding Project (from 5-15 March), click here: https://picasaweb.google.com/robertdara/CHOLRebuildingProjectMarch162011 #